Things to do in London during October half-term 2025

Keep the kids entertained this October half-term in London (27 to 31 October) with our pick of the capital’s best family activities, kid-friendly attractions and Halloween events.

Whether you're travelling with teenagers or toddlers, pack your London October half-term with fun things to do with kids, spooky experiences and unforgettable days out across the city. With so many October half-term activities in London, it's easy to fill the whole break – and our family-friendly hotels and kid-approved restaurants make planning even easier.

Only have one day to explore the city? Make the most of your visit to the capital and tick off top sights with the Total London Experience.

It's worth noting that October half-term dates in the UK can vary slightly, with some regions breaking a week earlier or later than the London October half-term.

Top things to do in London during October half-term

Unmissable family attractions in London this October half-term

1. Discover London's landmarks on a hop-on hop-off bus tour: Take in sights such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and the Tower of London on this scenic, open-air tour.
2. Say hello to some of your favourite animals at London Zoo this half-term: Spot lions, gorillas, giraffes and penguins in the heart of Regent's Park.
3. Stand 243m (800ft) above London at The View from The Shard: Enjoy sweeping skyline views from the capital's tallest building and see London from a whole new perspective.
4. Head to Kew Gardens and explore the world's most diverse collection of living plants: Explore themed glasshouses, stroll the treetop walkway and check out the Great Pagoda. 
5. Treat the little ones to a day out at Shrek's Adventure! London: Wander through a mirror maze, dodge Shrek's smelly swamp and climb aboard a thrilling 4D ride through Far Far Away. 
6. Uncover London's storied history at the Tower of London: Join the Beefeaters for a guided tour of this Unesco-protected site and hear chilling tales of the Bloody Tower before marvelling at the Crown Jewels. 
7. Glide past top sights on a City Cruises tour: Grab a 24-hour sightseeing pass and sail past landmarks like St Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye.
8. Adventure outside the city on a day trip to Windsor Castle: Step inside the official residence of His Majesty The King, explore the lavish State Rooms and visit the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II at St George's Chapel.
9. Get your culture fix at London's best museums and art galleries: From the archives of V&A East Storehouse to the Natural History Museum's 80-million-object collection, there's something to spark every curiosity. 
10. Savour afternoon tea on a panoramic bus tour of London: Enjoy finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones while soaking up views of the city's most celebrated landmarks.

Find more of the best London attractions to visit this October half-term.

Fun experiences for teens in London during October half-term

11. Plan an adrenaline-pumping adventure with Up at The O2: Climb the roof of London's famous entertainment venue and enjoy breathtaking views across the capital. 
12. Race down the river on a Thames Rockets speedboat tour: Take in London's major landmarks on this exhilarating, high-speed ride.
13. Book tickets for Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter: Explore real-life sets from the hit film series including the Great Hall and Diagon Alley, and see authentic props, costumes and the magic behind the spellbinding special effects. 
14. Stand alongside world-famous faces at Madame Tussauds London: Snap selfies with sporting heroes, Hollywood superstars and royalty at this iconic wax museum.
15. Channel your inner racing driver at K1 Speed in Canary Wharf: Get behind the wheel of an electric go-kart at this thrilling indoor session. 
16. Head to Lightroom in King's Cross to see renowned artworks reimagined in an immersive setting: Experience scenes from Apple TV's Emmy Award-nominated series Prehistoric Planet projected across walls, floors and ceilings.
17. Step inside London's top football stadiums: Tour the changing rooms, walk the tunnel and explore the press room of your favourite club.
18. Master your skateboarding skills at London's best skate parks: From the graffiti-clad ramps on the South Bank to Crystal Palace's state-of-the-art skateboarding pool.
19. Experience London's most unique immersive experiences: Jump into giant ball pits, master themed escape rooms or be transported to fictional worlds.

Bookmark our guide to things to do with teenagers in London.

October half-term activities for young kids in London 

20. Step into the world of London's favourite bear at The Paddington Bear Experience: Meet beloved characters and explore themed rooms inspired by the hit films and books.
21. Book a family-friendly theatre show this October half-term: From long-running favourites to fresh stage adaptations, the West End promises an unforgettable experience. 
22. Discover the history of London's transport at the London Transport Museum: Trace the evolution of the city's iconic vehicles including the world's first underground steam train, the red bus, taxis and the first-ever Tube map design (kids go free!).
23. Explore the marine world at SEA LIFE London Aquarium: Walk beneath the glass Ocean Tunnel, test your nerves on the Shark Walk, and marvel at the UK's largest living coral reef.
24. Hop aboard the famous battleship HMS Belfast: Or travel further down the river to check out the Cutty Sark in Greenwich.
25. Head to the Young V&A in east London's Bethnal Green: Let the kids run wild with hands-on interactive displays, workshops and three permanent gallery spaces.
26. Test your senses and immerse yourself in multisensory experiences at the Twist Museum: Uncover more than 60 exhibits and interactive illusions at this mind-bending museum.
27. Don't miss a fun day out at The Postal Museum: Travel back through London's postal service and see Victorian Valentine cards and wartime letters. 

Discover more family fun this October half-term with our guide to 101 things to do with kids in London.   

Family-friendly shows in London this October half-term

28. Follow Simba's adventures in The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre: See the hit Disney film brought to life through dazzling costumes, spellbinding sets and an award-winning score. 
29. Secure your seats for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One and Two: Watch Harry, Ron and Hermione reunite alongside a new generation at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
30. Celebrate 40 years of Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre: A special eight-week run brings back fan-favourite cast members to mark the landmark anniversary. 
31. Get into the spooky spirit this Halloween at Wicked the Musical: Travel to the Land of Oz and see young Elphaba and Glinda's friendship during their school days. 
32. Experience the magic of COME ALIVE! London: The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular: Marvel at thrilling circus acts and magical musical theatre at The Empress Museum show.
33. Teens will love The Devil Wears Prada at the Dominion Theatre: Expect original music by Sir Elton John, glitzy sets and an award-winning cast at this feel-good musical. 
34. Watch the Royal Shakespeare Company's award-winning production of Matilda the Musical: Kids will love the stage adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic.
35. Book ahead for Christmas in London: Enjoy a festive West End experience at ELF the Musical (opening 28 October), or the enchanting Nutcracker at the London Coliseum. 
36. Join sisters Satsuki and Mei at My Neighbour Totoro: See the girls encounter magical creatures and natural wonders in this timeless story.
37. Take a trip back in time with Marty McFly in Back to The Future the Musical: The seven-time Olivier Award-nominated musical impresses with chart-topping songs and jaw-dropping effects.

Explore more of the best West End shows in London this autumn. 

Best Halloween experiences in London this October

38. Experience the Halloween takeover at Warner Bros Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter: Find the Great Hall decked out with pumpkins, spot chilling Death Eater projections and join the hunt for the Dark Mark.
39. Scare yourself silly at The London Dungeon: Learn about the city's darkest chapters through gripping storytelling and immersive theatre performances. 
40. Hop aboard a Halloween-themed afternoon tea bus: Savour delicious finger sandwiches and sweet treats, enjoy classic Halloween songs and take in London's top landmarks along the way. 18 to 31 October
41. Take to the streets on a Ghost walking tour through the capital: Discover sorrowful tales of ghouls, ghosts and spectres as you uncover London's spooky history.
42. Spend Halloween at the Tower of London: Follow in the footsteps of the most infamous prisoners and hear spine-chilling tales of the Bloody Tower from the Beefeaters.
43. Don't miss Halloween at Kew: Explore the 1.5km trail of ghostly realms and see eye-popping illuminations, live fire artists and even a forgotten fairground. 
44. Book your spot on a Jack the Ripper walking tour: Discover the gruesome tale of one of the most notorious uncaught killers in Whitechapel.
45. Brave the Clink Prison Museum in London Bridge: Dare to see the gruesome torture devices from England's past.
46. Discover London's sights on the Ghost Bus Tours: Hop on board a refurbished Routemaster bus and uncover the city's dark past with thrilling commentary from an expert guide.

Check out other spooky children's Halloween activities across the city. 

Outdoor half-term activities in London 

47. Take on aerial challenges at the exhilarating Gripped London: Enjoy six heart-racing activities with an all-inclusive full day pass.
48. Go on a high-wire adventure at one of Go Ape’s testing courses: Swing above the trees of Battersea Park or tackle the high ropes in Crystal Palace Park.
49. Venture to Hobbledown Heath in Hounslow for thrilling outdoor adventures: Let the little ones scale tall towers, navigate maze tunnels and let loose in the indoor play area.
50. Get up close to some of your favourite big-screen stars at Scenes in the Square: Follow the bronze statue trail and see the likes of Batman, Mary Poppins and Mr Bean.
51. Let the kids run wild during a visit to London's leafy Royal Parks: Highlights include Greenwich Park, Hyde Park and Regent's Park.
52. Treat yourself to some delicious street food from the open-air Southbank Centre Food Market: Feast on Asian dishes, Mediterranean flavours and traditional French desserts. 

Where to shop in London during October half-term

53. Discover the flagship LEGO Store in Leicester Square: Browse two floors of LEGO bricks and models, and create your own LEGO portrait with the in-store mosaic maker.
54. Explore a colourful, chocolate-filled wonderland at M&M's World: The world's largest candy store is home to over 100 M&M's varieties.
55. Step into the magical world of Hamleys: London's largest and oldest toy shop is a playground for adults and children alike with seven floors of toys, games and live entertainment. 
56. Shop for vintage threads and antique homewares at London’s markets: Portobello Road Market and Camden Market impress with stunning jewellery and handcrafted goods.
57. Source new pieces for your autumn/winter wardrobe in central London: Oxford Street has plenty of high-street staples while Carnaby delivers with heritage brands like Dr Martens and Liberty London.
58. Go on a shopping spree through Covent Garden and Seven Dials: Stock up on skincare and beauty essentials at Charlotte Tilbury, Kiehl’s, Neal’s Yard Remedies and Toni&Guy.
59. Peruse big-name stores at London's shopping centres and outlets: Head to ICON Outlet at The O2, the London Designer Outlet, Westfield London or Westfield Stratford City for the ultimate shopping trip.
60. Take a day trip to Bicester Village: The Oxfordshire outlet is a must for those who love to bag a great deal on designer items.

Seek out more shopping hotspots in London.

If you're visiting London around October half-term, check out our pick of the best things to do in October and key annual events. Be sure to keep an eye out for family-friendly activities with our guide to what's on this weekend and things to do today. Download the Visit London app for exclusive offers and on-the-go ideas. 

Top tips for October half-term in London 

What dates are schools off in October in England? 

October half-term is five days, from 27 to 31 October 2025. Though it's worth noting that dates may vary between individual schools – including state and independent schools – and elsewhere in the UK.

What are some free half-term activities for kids in London?

There are plenty of free things to do in London during the October half-term including child-friendly museums such as the Young V&A and the Science Museum, as well as outdoor spaces like Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Vauxhall City Farm. Free sightseeing activities include the historic Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace and the opening of Tower Bridge. 

Is London busier during October half-term?

Central London is typically busier during October half-term, so you might experience longer waiting times at the capital’s top attractions. To avoid peak periods, early morning and later sessions near closing are usually quieter. 

What is the weather like during October half-term?

The clocks change just before October half-term on 26 October, with the sun rising later (7.45am) and setting just after 5.30pm. Expect average temperatures from 10 to 16C (50 to 60F). For more seasonal temperatures, check out our London weather page.